With just a little over a month before training camps would be getting started around the league, the chances of NBA players and owners coming to an agreement ay time soon is not looking good.
And now those chances look worse with word that National Basketball Players Association VP Roger Mason Jr. could be headed overseas himself, which would cause him to resign from his position with the NBPA executive committee
According to Newsday’s Alan Hahn, Mason could be returning to play with Hapoel Jerusalem, where he played in 2005.
Mason, the same player that sold his Bentley in preparation for the lockout, told Eurobasket.com he was not sure when a signing would be announced, but Hapoel may not be the only team in play for his services.
‘I have no idea. I haven’t spoken to my agent but I know he is in contact with a few teams. I’m just taking a back seat and waiting for things to play out.’
‘I have a great feeling and relationship with the organization. The season I had in Jerusalem before the NBA helped me become a much better player and I’m approaching the situation the same way now as I did in 2005.’
While some players could be signing contracts overseas for some added stability, Mason said his choice had nothing to do with money.
‘Hapoel knows where I stand and what my financial expectations are. I feel like at home is Jerusalem and honestly, it’s not about the money for me, more the situation. When an offer is on the table I will make my decision.’
While I highly doubt other executive committee members will follow Mason in signing contracts overseas, it is still quite a hit to the committee and likely could be seen as a bad sign to other players when someone representing them decides to resign his position and sign elsewhere.
Those following Mason on Twitter have seen his growing frustration over the summer when it comes to meetings with owners.
“I’m praying we don’t lose this season, but I’m very worried,” Mason said earlier this month. “Today’s meetings resulted in no movement at all. The gap is very very wide.”
According to Hahn, Mason’s contract will have an escape clause so he can return to the NBA.
